Plans for an end-of-the-season celebration for Cooperstown area residents have come a long way since we endorsed the idea four weeks ago.
Members of the Celebrate Cooperstown Committee appointed by Mayor Jeff Katz have been busy and the celebration has a new name – Fall for Cooperstown, Homecoming 2012.
The board of trustees voted during its September meeting to make Oct. 13 and 14 an event weekend meaning there can be downtown sidewalk sales that will offer residents an opportunity to do some shopping and develop a better understanding of what’s available in Main Street stores. There is a general feeling among many people that all that is available on Main Street is related to baseball, but there is more than that.
Organizers are planning music in Pioneer Park on Saturday. Doubleday Field will be available for games both days and from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday the celebration will feature a community potluck Harvest Supper organized by Growing Community on Main Street between River and Fair Streets.
The celebration is not a big budget affair. The board of trustees authorized Katz to spend up to $500, but largely, it is coming together through residents’ willingness to pitch-in to make it happen. An excellent example is the effort of Growing Community to organize the community Harvest Supper on Sunday. For three hours people will be able to sit down with family, friends and neighbors to share a potluck meal.
Growing Community encourages people to grow or purchase food locally and is asking people to make their potluck contribution, if possible, with local or homegrown ingredients in honor of the harvest season. It’s a good idea and can help build a greater appreciation for the cornucopia of diverse, high-quality foodstuffs grown or raised in this area.
It’s that time of year after the season, as Katz said, “when people exhale and return to Main Street.”
We encourage area residents to make plans now to be part of the effort to celebrate Cooperstown and the special community it is.
More information about the celebration can be found on the village’s website at www.cooperstownny.org.
